New Car Overview of the 2005 Honda Element Mid-Size Wagon
Description: Mid-Size Wagon
Base MSRP Range: $17,450 - $21,725
Invoice Price Range: $16,126 - $20,069
Where built: USA
Honda's cubistic crate on wheels has been described as a mobile dorm room. It's stark and cubic yet fixed with seats for four plus a high-powered stereo that connects to external hardward like a MP3 player.
On those flat sides, check out the double doors: Front one's hinged up front but the rear door has hinges on the tail side and both open wide in pillar-less fashion to stuff gear aboard -- trail bikes, snowboards, maybe even a sofa for that dorm room.
Inside, the flat floor of Element is covered by a urethane-coated surface that sweeps out and wipes down fast. Likewise, four flip-and-fold seats in the cabin are designed for quick cleaning.
For locomotion, Element carries a twin-cam 2.4-liter in-line-four engine that reaches 160-hp and mates with the standard manual 5-speed or optional automatic 4-speed transaxle for FWD traction or a version with Honda's intelligent AWD system.
Two trims work on Element -- DX and EX, and side air bags are now standard for all models, with XM satellite radio service available plus cool new body paint like Cargo Khaki.
